The Touareg and Tiguan have been so successful in their first years on the market that Volkswagen decided to expand its crossover lineup with at least three new models. One of them is the T-Roc, and it's the company's smallest SUV until the T-Cross arrives. Built on the ubiquitous MQB platform, the T-Roc slots under the Tiguan and it's related to the Audi Q2 and Seat Arona. Developed to compete with popular subcompact crossovers like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Toyota C-HR and many more, the T-Roc is now also available in R-Line spec, Volkswagen's top trim outside the GTI and R models.

Now available on a wide range of cars, the R-Line package is both sporty and stylish, creating a unique look that you can't get with the usual options. This is available for the T-Roc too, which gets sportier bumpers front and rear, while a the body-colored elements from the sides and around back make the crossover look less rugged. It's a bit far-fetched to say that the T-Roc R-Line is more elegant than the standard model, because not many SUVs are, but I must admit that the small SUV looks really well with body-colored side skirts and rear apron. As usual, the engines are shared with the standard model, but Volkswagen added a bespoke suspension setup for a sportier ride. Let's find out more below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line.

2018 Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line

Specifications
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  • Model: 2018 Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line
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What makes the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line special

- New front apron - "R-Line" badges - Body-colored side skirts - 19-inch alloy wheels - Body-colored rear bumper - Dark grey interior trim - Carbon Flag upholstery - LED reading lights - Aluminum pedals - Flat-bottom steering wheel - Sportier suspension

The R-Line model isn't all that different from the standard T-Roc, but it has just enough upgrades to stand out from the pack. Up front, we can see the usual R-Line bumper that's slightly sportier without making the vehicle seem too aggressive. Only two details are different here, one of which is the bumper grille, which has horizontal slats and a central chrome element instead of the usual honeycomb mesh. The T-Roc's protection plate is also gone, now replaced with a black element that looks like splitter in the center. The "R-Line" badge on the main grille rounds off the front fascia.

More new features can be spotted onto the sides, starting with the black wheelarch extensions and the body-colored side skirts. While the former are offered on other trims too, the body-colored skirts are unique to this model and give the T-Roc R-Line a slightly more elegant look. The crossover is also equipped with 19-inch "Suzuka" alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires, while "R-Line" badges were added on the front fenders. There's nothing much to talk about around back, where changes include only a body-colored bumper and a matching roof spoiler.

Inside the cabin, customers will be greeted by dark grey decorative inserts in the dashboard and door panels and Carbon Flag upholstery. The door sills feature chrome "R-Line" inserts, while the carpet floor mats have "R-Line" badges. Volkswagen also added black roof lining, front footwell illumination, and front LED reading lights. Extra sportiness comes by means of aluminum pedals and a flat-bottom leather steering wheel.

The R-Line package is offered with three distinct drivetrains, but there's no extra power to talk about. It isn't surprising though, as engine upgrades are usually kept for the GTI and R trims. Available in five drivetrain configurations, the T-Roc can be selected with the R-Line pack for three of them, starting with the 1.5 TSI model. Powered by a 1.5-liter engine, this model comes with 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Both the six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG can be ordered here.

If you need more oomph, there's the 2.0 TSI, with a four-cylinder mill that delivers 187 horses and 236 pound-feet of twist through a seven-speed DSG. If you like the extra torque that comes with diesels, the 2.0 TDI delivers 147 horses and 250 pound-feet through a six-speed manual. Both the 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI feature 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Although there are no output upgrades, the T-Roc comes with a sportier suspension setup.

The T-Roc R-Line retails from £26,450 in the U.K. The T-Roc is not yet available in the U.S., so don't expect this model to cross the pond anytime soon.

References

Volkswagen T-Roc

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen T-Roc.

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